Questions

Here we answer many of the questions that members often ask the union. If the answers are insufficient, you can contact the office.

Will I receive a salary if I become ill?
If you become ill, you can receive sickness benefits from The Department of Social Services. The payment is a maximum amount equivalent to 80% of your regular salary. 

The benefit is usually calculated based on the average income of the past five weeks prior to the sick leave. The daily amount is 825.21 kr + 12% for vacation pay.

What should I do if I get injured at work?
All employees are protected against work-related injuries. If you experience a workplace accident, it is crucial to report the incident to the Faroese National Board of Industrial Injuries within one year. 

The insurance does not cover incidents reported later than one year after the injury. The National Board of Industrial Injuries handles cases that are covered by insurance.

Contact the union that can help and advise you if you have been involved in a workplace accident. 

Havnar Arbeiðarafelag has helped many members who have been injured.

Am I entitled to holiday pay?
You have a legal entitlement to holiday pay from your entire salary as an employee.

The holiday pay can either be 12% added to your salary, and you take time off without pay, or it can be 1.5% added to your salary, and you have the right to paid holiday. The latter is only applicable to fixed-salary employees.

Everyone has the right to five weeks of summer holiday, which should be taken between May 1st and October 1st. When you take your holiday is determined in consultation with your employer. You are not entitled to take holiday during specific periods, but you have the right to four consecutive weeks of holiday.

The employer determines when the holiday should be taken. According to the law, this should be done in consultation with the employee. If the employer requires you to take holiday during a specific period, you should be informed well in advance, usually not later than 2-3 months before your summer holiday.

What is the notice period?
The notice period is linked to the duration of employment. For hourly-paid work, the employer's notice period is as follows:

• Less than 6 months of employment: 5 working days

• Over 6 months of employment: 7 working days

• Over 1 year of employment: 10 working days

• Over 2 years of employment: 15 working days

• Over 3 years of employment: 20 working days

• Over 5 years of employment: 25 working days

If an employee resigns after working for more than three months, the notice period is five working days, and if the person has worked for more than six months, the notice period is seven working days. The resignation must be in writing for both parties.

If you have worked for at least nine months for an employer, you have the right to receive a written explanation for the termination if you request it.

What is the notice period for salaried employees?
If the duration of employment is up to six months, the notice period is one month until the 1st of the month.

If the duration of employment is from six months to two years, the notice period is two months until the 1st of the month. 

If the duration of employment is more than two years, the notice period is three months until the 1st of the month.

For employees, the notice period is one month until the 1st of the month. The resignation must be in writing from both parties.

If you have worked for at least nine months for an employer, you have the right to receive a written explanation for the termination if you request it.

If I become unemployed? 
If you become unemployed, you have the right to receive unemployment benefits (ALS). 

The unemployment benefit is calculated based on your EBT (Earnings Before Tax) income in the last 12 months before the unemployment was confirmed.

The maximum payment is 75% of your received EBT income, but no more than 17,500 DKK per month. The calculation basis does not change as long as you are in the system.

If you work in the fishing industry, which is part of the fishing industry ALS scheme, you can apply for unemployment benefits as an unemployed person in the fishing industry if there is no work available.

To do this, you need to fill out an application provided by ALS or the fishing company. The company will verify your membership.